Complete Gardening
Limited space? No problem! With pot gardening, transform any balcony or patio into a thriving edible garden.
From strawberries to basil, discover 30 space-saving vegetables, fruits, and herbs to grow fresh, delicious produce right at home.
1. Tomatoes
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Tomatoes are perhaps the most popular vegetable for container gardening. They come in various sizes, from tiny cherry tomatoes to large beefsteaks, which makes them versatile for different pot sizes.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot that’s at least 18 inches deep for larger varieties. Ensure the pot has good drainage, and provide support with stakes or cages as they grow.
2. Bell Peppers
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Bell peppers are compact and don’t require much space, making them ideal for container gardening.
- Growing Tips: Choose a pot that’s at least 12 inches deep. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the pot in a location that receives plenty of sunlight.
3. Lettuce
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Lettuce is fast-growing and doesn’t need deep soil, making it perfect for shallow pots.
- Growing Tips: Use a wide, shallow pot. Sow seeds directly into the pot, and harvest the outer leaves as they grow, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.
4. Spinach
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Spinach thrives in cooler weather and can be grown in small pots, even indoors.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot at least 6-8 inches deep. Keep the soil well-drained and water regularly to prevent wilting.
5. Carrots
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Carrots are root vegetables, and smaller varieties do well in pots.
- Growing Tips: Choose a deep pot (at least 12 inches) for longer varieties. Thin out the seedlings to give each carrot room to grow.
6. Radishes
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Radishes are fast-growing and don’t require deep soil, making them ideal for container gardening.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot that’s at least 6 inches deep. Sow seeds directly into the pot, and harvest when the radishes reach the desired size.
7. Cucumbers
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Cucumbers can be grown vertically, making them space-efficient for pots.
- Growing Tips: Use a trellis or support to allow the vines to grow upward. Choose a pot that’s at least 18 inches deep for best results.
8. Zucchini
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Zucchini plants can be grown in larger pots and produce abundant yields.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot that’s at least 24 inches deep. Water regularly and provide ample sunlight for optimal growth.
9. Eggplant
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Eggplants thrive in warm conditions and do well in large pots.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot that’s at least 12 inches deep. Provide support as the plant grows, and ensure it receives plenty of sunlight.
10. Green Beans
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Green beans are compact and can be grown in small pots.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot that’s at least 8 inches deep. Bush varieties are better suited for pots, but pole varieties can be grown with the help of a trellis.
11. Kale
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Kale is a hardy plant that doesn’t require deep soil.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot that’s at least 12 inches deep. Harvest leaves from the bottom up to encourage new growth.
12. Peas
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Peas are cool-season vegetables that can be grown in shallow pots.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot that’s at least 6-8 inches deep. Provide a trellis or support for the vines to climb.
13. Beets
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Beets are root vegetables that do well in deep pots.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot that’s at least 10-12 inches deep. Thin out seedlings to give each beet space to grow.
14. Onions
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Onions don’t require much space and can be grown in shallow pots.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot that’s at least 6 inches deep. Plant sets (small bulbs) rather than seeds for faster growth.
15. Potatoes
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Potatoes can be grown in large pots or grow bags, making them suitable for small spaces.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot or grow bag that’s at least 12-15 inches deep. Start with a few inches of soil, and add more as the plants grow to encourage tuber formation.
16. Strawberries
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Strawberries are compact and do well in pots or hanging baskets.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot with good drainage, and ensure the soil remains consistently moist. Place the pot in a sunny location.
17. Blueberries
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Blueberries are shrubs that can be grown in large pots, making them accessible for small gardens.
- Growing Tips: Use acidic soil, and choose a pot that’s at least 18 inches deep. Ensure the pot has good drainage and place it in full sun.
18. Lemons
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Dwarf lemon trees can be grown in pots and make a beautiful addition to patios or balconies.
- Growing Tips: Use a large pot with good drainage. Lemons require full sun and regular watering, but avoid waterlogging the soil.
19. Figs
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Figs can be grown in pots, especially dwarf varieties that are well-suited for container gardening.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot that’s at least 18-24 inches deep. Figs prefer well-drained soil and full sun.
20. Raspberries
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Raspberries can be grown in pots, though they require a large container and support for the canes.
- Growing Tips: Use a deep pot (at least 18 inches) and provide a trellis or support. Raspberries prefer well-drained soil and full sun.
21. Dwarf Apples
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Dwarf apple trees are bred to be compact, making them suitable for large pots.
- Growing Tips: Use a large pot with good drainage. Place the tree in a sunny location, and water regularly, especially during the growing season.
22. Dwarf Peaches
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Dwarf peach trees are ideal for container gardening, producing full-sized fruit on a small tree.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot that’s at least 18 inches deep. Ensure the tree receives full sun and regular watering.
23. Pineapples
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Pineapples are tropical plants that can be grown in pots, even indoors in colder climates.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot that’s at least 12 inches deep. Pineapples prefer well-drained soil and a warm, sunny location.
24. Grapes
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Grapes can be grown in large pots with the help of a trellis for the vines to climb.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot that’s at least 24 inches deep. Ensure the soil is well-drained, and place the pot in full sun.
25. Mulberries
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Dwarf mulberry trees can be grown in pots and produce delicious berries.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot that’s at least 18 inches deep. Mulberries prefer well-drained soil and full sun.
26. Basil
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Basil is a popular herb that thrives in pots, making it easy to grow on windowsills or balconies.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot that’s at least 6-8 inches deep. Basil prefers full sun and regular watering.
27. Mint
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Mint is a vigorous grower that can take over a garden bed, so it’s often best grown in pots.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot that’s at least 8-10 inches deep. Mint prefers partial shade and moist soil.
28. Parsley
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Parsley is a versatile herb that can be grown in small pots, even indoors.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot that’s at least 6-8 inches deep. Parsley prefers partial shade and regular watering.
29. Thyme
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Thyme is a hardy herb that does well in small pots and doesn’t require much maintenance.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot that’s at least 6 inches deep. Thyme prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
30. Oregano
- Why Pot-Friendly?: Oregano is a perennial herb that can be grown in pots, making it easy to move indoors during winter.
- Growing Tips: Use a pot that’s at least 8 inches deep. Oregano prefers full sun and well-drained soil.